2019 - Best LPN Programs in Washington

The state of Washington offers more than a dozen practical nursing programs for aspiring licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to choose from in locations across the state. An aging population has led to an increase in practical nursing jobs across the country, and in Washington has led to aspiring nurses to seek state-approved schools for licensure. There are more than 12 community colleges, vocational schools, and private colleges across the state of Washington that offer LPN programs. Washington LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $24.03 or annual salary of $49,980, which is roughly $5,950 more per year than national average.

Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Washington? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Washington are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 7 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 3 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

Details on Washington LPN Schools & Classes

With more than a dozen practical nursing programs around the state to choose from, nursing students in Washington have several schooling options to consider. Most practical nursing programs can be completed in one to two years depending on whether a student attends classes on a full- or part-time basis. A typical course load for an LPN program in Washington includes classroom and clinical learning experiences. Course titles may include the following:

Nursing Fundamentals

Nursing Math / Pharmacology

Maternal/Newborn/Reproductive Nursing

Pediatrics Nursing

General Anatomy & Physiology

Lifespan Psychology

Medical Surgical Nursing

Accreditation

When researching practical nursing programs, it is important to consider program accreditation. A properly accredited program meets or exceeds high standards set by third-party accrediting organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This means that a student can be assured that the program will provide a high quality nursing education and will prepare him or her for the important NCLEX-PN exam following graduation. Nursing students in Washington can check with the Washington Board of Nursing’s Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission for a listing of state-approved practical nursing programs.

Admission Requirements

Before applying to any LPN program, it is critical to make sure you meet or exceed all the entrance requirements. While specific entrance requirements may vary slightly from school to school, they often include:

Completion of high school or GED program (including transcripts)

Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all relevant coursework including prerequisite courses

Completion of all prerequisite courses, such as college-level Math, English I and Basic Physiology & Human Anatomy

Standardized test scores, if necessary, such as the ACT or TEAS V exam

Personal interview

Background check, drug screen and proof of required immunizations

Submission of completed application and associated fees

Tuition and Costs

The cost of a practical nursing program can be a deciding factor for some students. All schools will have their own unique set of fees, so make sure you understand the full range of costs associated with your program before you apply. In general, costs for a practical nursing program include tuition, mandatory school and course fees and supplies (including textbooks, stethoscope, etc.). In addition, students should factor in the costs of housing and/or commuting to classes into the total price tag. Financial aid, loans, and scholarships are options to consider for those who need assistance covering the costs of their LPN program. To provide an example, the estimated total tuition cost for the LPN program at Edmonds Community College is approximately $7,572. This does not include fees, books, or other miscellaneous expenses.

Washington LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in Washington, individuals must be complete a state-approved nursing program. Once that is complete, he or she must sit and pass the NCLEX-PN exam—the required state-test to show proficiency. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state of Washington Department of Health, including:

Official transcript from state-approved nursing program

Proof of passing score of the NCLEX exam

Submit fingerprints for a FBI background check

Complete a personal information statement that includes information about physical and mental health status, lack of impairment due to chemical dependency/substance abuse, felony convictions, disciplinary actions, and other areas

Completion of 7 hours of required HIV/AIDS training

Washington LPNs must renew their license every year on or before their birthday. A continuing competency program is in place requiring 531 practice hours and 45 continuing education hours every three years.

NCLEX Exam Information

Before a practical nursing program graduate can receive licensure, they must first sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Your LPN program coursework should adequately prepare you for this important exam. To read more about the NCLEX-PN exam, please visit our overview page here. In addition, our NCLEX-PN practice test is available to help students prepare and study.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

Washington is not a state that has opted in to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), so those rules do not apply. LPNs who have a valid license in another state can apply for licensure in Washington by endorsement by submitting proof of current licensure and having passed the NCLEX. In addition, applicants must also submit:

Fingerprints submitted digitally to the state

Authorization for release of FBI information for criminal background check

Washington also allows foreign applicants with LPN equivalent background to apply for licensure in the state. In order to do so, applicants must submit their transcripts for a course by course evaluation with a state-approved evaluation service, pass an English language proficiency exam, complete a Personal Vocational Relationship Course online, submit fingerprints for a background check and pass the NCLEX exam.

LPN Salary in Washington By Area

The table below lists career information organized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Washington. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Edmonds Community College

20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood, WA98036 - (425) 640-1459 -

Edmonds Community College, located in Lynnwood, offers an LPN program for students who already hold a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. This seven quarter part-time program takes 21 months to complete, and graduates are fully prepared to provide quality entry-level nursing care to patients of all ages.

Overall Score: 93.70

3

Bates Technical College

1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA98405 - (253) 680-7000 -

Tacoma's Bates Technical College serves those pursuing a career in nursing with its LPN program. This four-quarter program is offered at BTC's downtown campus, and clinical practice is included within the curriculum to give students a real-world basis for performing entry-level nursing tasks.